Bellarmine is offering several prayer opportunities for prayer, fasting, and almsgiving this Lenten season.
During this final year of the National Eucharistic Revival, and guided by the phrase of our Parish Family Vision Statement, “Being transformed in the Body of Christ,” we are choosing this Lent to continue our focus on The Eucharist. We offer the opportunities described below.
33 Days to Eucharistic Glory by Matthew Kelly
All in our Jesuit Parish Family are invited to join a small group or reflect on your own at home with this collection of meditations using a variety of themes and images to nourish one’s spirituality of the Eucharist. Books are free and a reflection guide will be provided. Groups will meet at St. Xavier, Bellarmine Chapel, in homes, and remotely. Register. (Additional small group options at Bellarmine will be added.) If you are interested in leading a group during Lent, please contact Jane Myers.
A Biblical Walk through the Mass
A Biblical Walk through the Mass: Understanding What We Say and Do in the Liturgy by Edward Sri led by Lee Colglazier, Sunday mornings, March 9-April 6, 10:15-11:15 a.m. in Hailstones Hall, Room 17. This book offers a 5-week Lenten journey into the heart of the Mass. By means of video and discussion, we will explore the biblical roots of the liturgy, and deepen our love and appreciation for experiencing God through the Mass. The book is recommended, but not required and is available $7-15 on Amazon.
The Spiritual Exercises
Praying The Spiritual Exercises in 12 Weeks led by Linda Young offered remotely on Tuesdays, 7:30-8:30 p.m., beginning March 11. Participants will use Finding Christ in the World: A Twelve-Week Ignatian Retreat in Everyday Life available from the Institute of Jesuit Sources for $38.95. To register, please complete this form.
Adoration
Parishioners are invited to join Xavier University students for Eucharistic Adoration with silent prayer and an opportunity for confessions Tuesdays 5:30 p.m.-9 p.m.
Little Black Books
“Little Black Books for Lent” will be available in the narthex for at-home reflection.
Reconciliation & Anointing
Join our parish community for a combined Celebration of the Healing Sacraments of Reconciliation and Anointing of the Sick on Thursday, March 27, 7 p.m.
Ministry Fair
Is your Lenten prayer nudging you to learn more about our many parish ministries? Join us for a “Ministry Fair” to meet those already involved and be inspired toward deeper discipleship, on April 6, 10-11:30 a.m.; 5:45-6:45 p.m.
Pastoral Council & Synodality Presentation by Fr. Tom DiFolco, SJ
All are welcome, especially those feeling called to discern parish leadership, are encouraged to join us for “Pastoral Council and Synodality” on Saturday, March 29, 9-11 a.m. in the Health United Building, 1723 Cleneay Avenue, 4th Floor Commons.
Tenebrae Service
Join us during Holy Week for a Tenebrae Service in the Chapel on April 16 at 7:30 p.m.
Social Mission
CRS Rice Bowls
Families with children, pick up a CRS Rice Bowl in the narthex on March 16 and collect alms during Lent. Children will bring their boxes during the Presentation of Gifts at Masses on April 13.
Bury the Alleluia Banner Parade
Our GIFT children have the tradition of “burying the Alleluia banner” during the season of Lent. This ritual will be Sunday, March 2.
Active Discipleship Day
Our Fall Active Discipleship Day for our Jesuit Parish Family, held in conjunction with Xavier University’s Community Action Day, will be Saturday, March 22, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. We hope you can join us for this family-friendly day of service and reflection! Breakfast and lunch provided. Service sites will be selected by participants upon arrival, with a variety of accessible indoor and outdoor options available. Please RSVP here. Flyer here.
Violence Prevention: From Rhetoric to Real Solutions
Looking to join an 8-week small faith group this Lent? Rita Pritchard, Chair of our Ignatian Advocacy Team, is facilitating a Justfaith program entitled Preventing Gun Violence: From Rhetoric to Real Solutions. The program will run for eight Tuesdays, 6-8 p.m., on Xavier University’s campus beginning Tuesday, March 11 and ending Tuesday, April 29. To learn more, please complete an interest form here.
Dismantling Racism Team
It is time, says theologian, pastor and social activist, Jim Wallis, to call out genuine faith—specifically the “Christian” in white Christian nationalism—inviting all who can be persuaded to reject and help dismantle a false gospel that propagates white supremacy and autocracy. Lent is a time to help us raise up our faith and decide how to become more active disciples. Linda Wheeler and Marie Hill, members of the Bellarmine Dismantling Racism Team, will facilitate discussion of Wallis’ book, False White Gospel: Rejecting Christian Nationalism, Reclaiming True Faith, and Refunding Democracy, on five Mondays in the Parish Center: March 10, 17, 24, 31 and April 14 from 10 a.m. until 11:30. Sign up here to join the discussion, space is limited!
Social Mission Stations of the Cross
Social Mission Stations of the Cross—April 10, 7 p.m. in the Chapel—in collaboration with the Center for Faith and Justice.
Daily Reflections
Ignatian Solidarity Network is offering a daily reflection through Lent.
Healthy Earth Team
Healthy Earth Team will be organizing Meatless Meetups on 3/10, 3/24, and 4/7, and Dr. John Sniegocki will be doing a Go Veg for Lent weekly email.